MicroBacter7 Overdose?

[NemLoverSA]

I starting a 20 gallon long AIO tank for growing macroalgae. I just added the water, some rubble and MicroBacter7 to start my cycle. No livestock. Well, I put too much of the Microbacter7 in (did not read the instructions fully) and now my water is cloudy. Any suggestions on what I should do? Nothing? Water change?

 

[Spare time]

As long as there are no fish or inverts, I'd just let it die back on its own. Did you add an ammonia source?

 

[skey44]

I overdosed in my QT and waiting it out worked. Took about a week for bacterial bloom to die down.

 

[NemLoverSA]

I added a slice of raw scallop. Should I add something else considering the huge amount of bacteria that is in the tank?

 

[skey44]

No. Once you have some ammonia I would take out the scallop. For me a week was plenty to spike the ammonia with a raw shrimp. Not sure how big a slice is but a little should go a long way in a 20 gallon.

 

[NemLoverSA]

I plan on raising copepods in the rubble along with the macroalgae. Should I add them now?

 

[skey44]

No wait for cycle to complete.

 

[skey44]

When your ammonia is zero after becoming measurable and nitrates are reading. I like the seachem ammonia alert for a visual reference. I’d estimate week 4-6 as a good time to add some bottled pods.

 

[NemLoverSA]

Thanks for all the help. I'm taking a deep breath .......

 

[Spare time]

I added a slice of raw scallop. Should I add something else considering the huge amount of bacteria that is in the tank?

No, just take the scallop out after a few days.

 

[NemLoverSA]

Tank is clear today. Yeah!!